Apparatus and method for registering facial landmarks for surgical navigation system

ABSTRACT

An array of sensors may be used to perform touchless registration of landmarks of a patient&#39;s face before an ENT procedure in order to associate those landmarks with pre-operative images in three-dimensional space, which is required for image guided surgery features such as navigation. Touchless or light-touch registration may improve accuracy by avoiding the need for substantial pressing against a patient&#39;s skin, which may deform and thereby introduce erroneous registration data. A sensor may also be implemented in forms other than an array such as handheld probe having a single sensor as opposed to an array.

BACKGROUND

In some instances, it may be desirable to dilate an anatomicalpassageway in a patient. This may include dilation of ostia of paranasalsinuses (e.g., to treat sinusitis), dilation of the larynx, dilation ofthe Eustachian tube, dilation of other passageways within the ear, nose,or throat, etc. One method of dilating anatomical passageways includesusing a guide wire and catheter to position an inflatable balloon withinthe anatomical passageway, then inflating the balloon with a fluid(e.g., saline) to dilate the anatomical passageway. For instance, theexpandable balloon may be positioned within an ostium at a paranasalsinus and then be inflated, to thereby dilate the ostium by remodelingthe bone adjacent to the ostium, without requiring incision of themucosa or removal of any bone. The dilated ostium may then allow forimproved drainage from and ventilation of the affected paranasal sinus.A system that may be used to perform such procedures may be provided inaccordance with the teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0004057, entitled“Systems and Methods for Transnasal Dilation of Passageways in the Ear,Nose or Throat,” published Jan. 6, 2011, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. An example of such a system is theRelieva® Spin Balloon Sinuplasty™ System by Acclarent, Inc. of Irvine,Calif.

Image-guided surgery (IGS) is a technique where a computer is used toobtain a real-time correlation of the location of an instrument that hasbeen inserted into a patient's body to a set of preoperatively obtainedimages (e.g., a CT or MRI scan, 3-D map, etc.), such that the computersystem may superimpose the current location of the instrument on thepreoperatively obtained images. In some IGS procedures, a digitaltomographic scan (e.g., CT or MRI, 3-D map, etc.) of the operative fieldis obtained prior to surgery. A specially programmed computer is thenused to convert the digital tomographic scan data into a digital map.During surgery, special instruments having sensors (e.g.,electromagnetic coils that emit electromagnetic fields and/or areresponsive to externally generated electromagnetic fields) mountedthereon are used to perform the procedure while the sensors send data tothe computer indicating the current position of each surgicalinstrument. The computer correlates the data it receives from theinstrument-mounted sensors with the digital map that was created fromthe preoperative tomographic scan. The tomographic scan images aredisplayed on a video monitor along with an indicator (e.g., crosshairsor an illuminated dot, etc.) showing the real-time position of eachsurgical instrument relative to the anatomical structures shown in thescan images. In this manner, the surgeon is able to know the preciseposition of each sensor-equipped instrument by viewing the video monitoreven if the surgeon is unable to directly visualize the instrumentitself at its current location within the body.

An example of an electromagnetic IGS systems that may be used in ENT andsinus surgery is the CARTO® 3 System by Biosense-Webster, Inc., ofIrvine, Calif. When applied to functional endoscopic sinus surgery(FESS), balloon sinuplasty, and/or other ENT procedures, the use of IGSsystems allows the surgeon to achieve more precise movement andpositioning of the surgical instruments than can be achieved by viewingthrough an endoscope alone. As a result, IGS systems may be particularlyuseful during performance of FESS, balloon sinuplasty, and/or other ENTprocedures where anatomical landmarks are not present or are difficultto visualize endoscopically.

One function that may be performed by an IGS system is obtaining areference point that can be used to correlate various preoperativelyobtained images with a patient's actual position during a procedure.This act may be referred to as patient registration. Patientregistration is conventionally performed by using a positionally trackedinstrument (e.g., a guidewire whose tip position may be detected inthree-dimensional space) to trace the area of a patient that will beaffected by the procedure. For example, in the case of a balloonsinuplasty or other ENT procedure, a positionally tracked guidewire orother tool may be used to trace or touch one or more positions on apatient's face. At each touch point, a positional tracking system willregister that point in three-dimensional space and, using a number ofregistered points, determine the position of the affected area inthree-dimensional space. Once the affected area is fully mapped orregistered, it can be correlated with preoperative images in order toprovide a seamless IGS experience across varying types of preoperativeimages during the performance of the procedure. Performing patientregistration in this manner is both time consuming and error prone, dueto the number of touch points required for some procedures and therelative inaccuracy of pressing a flexible guidewire tip against thenon-rigid surface of a patient's face.

It may be desirable to provide features that further facilitate the useof an IGS navigation system and associated components in ENT proceduresand other medical procedures. While several systems and methods havebeen made and used with respect to IGS and ENT surgery, it is believedthat no one prior to the inventors has made or used the inventiondescribed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings and detailed description that follow are intended to bemerely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention as contemplated by the inventors.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an exemplary sinus surgery navigationsystem being used on a patient seated in an exemplary medical procedurechair;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary registration probehaving a position sensing tip;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a patient during a registrationprocedure using the registration probe of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an exemplary sensor array;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the sensor array of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the sensor array of FIG. 4 duringactivation and a visualization of the sensor array's zone of detection;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a patient during a registrationprocedure using the sensor array of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of a surgical procedure area usingthe sensor array of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 shows a system diagram of an exemplary image guided surgerysystem;

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary set of high level steps that may be performedwith an image guided surgical system to register a patient;

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary set of steps that may be performed with animage guided surgical system to generate and process data from thesensor array of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary touchless sensor probethat may be used to register a patient; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a tip of the exemplary touchlesssensor probe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventors have conceived of novel technology that, for the purposeof illustration, is disclosed herein as applied in the context of imageguided surgery. While the disclosed applications of the inventors'technology satisfy a long-felt but unmet need in the art of image guidedsurgery, it should be understood that the inventors' technology is notlimited to being implemented in the precise manners set forth herein,but could be implemented in other manners without undue experimentationby those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.Accordingly, the examples set forth herein should be understood as beingillustrative only, and should not be treated as limiting.

It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combinedwith any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions,examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-describedteachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not beviewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways inwhich the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the claims.

I. EXEMPLARY IMAGE GUIDED SURGERY NAVIGATION SYSTEM

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary IGS navigation system (100) enabling an ENTprocedure to be performed using image guidance. In some instances, IGSnavigation system (100) is used during a procedure where dilationinstrument assembly (10) is used to dilate the ostium of a paranasalsinus; or to dilate some other anatomical passageway (e.g., within theear, nose, or throat, etc.). In addition to or in lieu of having thecomponents and operability described herein IGS navigation system (100)may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,702,626, entitled “Guidewires forPerforming Image Guided Procedures,” issued Apr. 22, 2014, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.8,320,711, entitled “Anatomical Modeling from a 3-D Image and a SurfaceMapping,” issued Nov. 27, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,720,521, entitled “Methods andDevices for Performing Procedures within the Ear, Nose. Throat andParanasal Sinuses,” issued May 18, 2010, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0364725,entitled “Systems and Methods for Performing Image Guided Procedureswithin the Ear, Nose, Throat and Paranasal Sinuses,” published Dec. 11,2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S.Pub. No. 2016/0310042, entitled “System and Method to Map Structures ofNasal Cavity,” published Oct. 27, 2016; and U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2011/0060214, entitled “Systems and Methods for Performing Image GuidedProcedures within the Ear, Nose, Throat and Paranasal Sinuses,”published Mar. 10, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

IGS navigation system (100) of the present example comprises a fieldgenerator assembly (101), which comprises set of magnetic fieldgenerators (106) that are integrated into a horseshoe-shaped frame(104). Field generators (106) are operable to generate alternatingmagnetic fields of different frequencies around the head of the patient.Field generators (106) thereby enable tracking of the position of anavigation guidewire (130) that is inserted into the head of thepatient. Various suitable components that may be used to form and drivefield generators (106) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein.

In the present example, frame (104) is mounted to a chair (118), withthe patient (P) being seated in the chair (118) such that frame (104) islocated adjacent to the head (H) of the patient (P). By way of exampleonly, chair (118) and/or field generator assembly (101) may beconfigured and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Patent App. No. 62/555,824, entitled “Apparatus toSecure Field Generating Device to Chair,” filed Sep. 8, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

IGS navigation system (100) of the present example further comprises aprocessor (110), which controls field generators (106) and otherelements of IGS navigation system (100). For instance, processor (110)is operable to drive field generators (106) to generate electromagneticfields; and process signals from navigation guidewire (130) to determinethe location of a sensor in navigation guidewire (130) within the head(H) of the patient (P). Processor (110) comprises a processing unitcommunicating with one or more memories. Processor (110) of the presentexample is mounted in a console (116), which comprises operatingcontrols (112) that include a keypad and/or a pointing device such as amouse or trackball. A physician uses operating controls (112) tointeract with processor (110) while performing the surgical procedure.

A coupling unit (132) is secured to the proximal end of a navigationguidewire (130). Coupling unit (132) of this example is configured toprovide wireless communication of data and other signals between console(116) and navigation guidewire (130). While coupling unit (132) of thepresent example couples with console (116) wirelessly, some otherversions may provide wired coupling between coupling unit (132) andconsole (116). Various other suitable features and functionality thatmay be incorporated into coupling unit (132) will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Navigation guidewire (130) may be used as a substitute for guidewire(30) in dilation instrument (20) described above. Navigation guidewire(130) includes a sensor (not shown) that is responsive to movementwithin the fields generated by field generators (106). In the presentexample, the sensor of navigation guidewire (130) comprises at least onecoil at the distal end of navigation guidewire (130). When such a coilis positioned within an electromagnetic field generated by fieldgenerators (106), movement of the coil within that magnetic field maygenerate electrical current in the coil, and this electrical current maybe communicated along the electrical conduit(s) in navigation guidewire(130) and further to processor (110) via coupling unit (132). Thisphenomenon may enable IGS navigation system (100) to determine thelocation of the distal end of navigation guidewire (130) within athree-dimensional space (i.e., within the head (H) of the patient (P)).To accomplish this, processor (110) executes an algorithm to calculatelocation coordinates of the distal end of navigation guidewire (130)from the position related signals of the coil(s) in navigation guidewire(130).

Processor (110) uses software stored in a memory of processor (110) tocalibrate and operate system (100). Such operation includes drivingfield generators (106), processing data from navigation guidewire (130),processing data from operating controls (112), and driving displayscreen (114). Processor (110) is further operable to provide video inreal time via display screen (114), showing the position of the distalend of navigation guidewire (130) in relation to a video camera image ofthe patient's head (H), a CT scan image of the patient's head (H),and/or a computer generated three-dimensional model of the anatomywithin and adjacent to the patient's nasal cavity. Display screen (114)may display such images simultaneously and/or superimposed on each otherduring the surgical procedure. Such displayed images may also includegraphical representations of instruments that are inserted in thepatient's head (H), such as navigation guidewire (130), such that theoperator may view the virtual rendering of the instrument at its actuallocation in real time. By way of example only, display screen (114) mayprovide images in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S.Pub. No. 2016/0008083, entitled “Guidewire Navigation for Sinuplasty,”published Jan. 14, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein. In the event that the operator is also using anendoscope, the endoscopic image may also be provided on display screen(114).

The images provided through display screen (114) may help guide theoperator in maneuvering and otherwise manipulating instruments withinthe patient's head. When used as a substitute for guidewire (30) indilation instrument assembly (10), navigation guidewire (130) mayfacilitate navigation of instrumentation of dilation instrument assembly(10) within the patient during performance of a procedure to dilate theostium of a paranasal sinus; or to dilate some other anatomicalpassageway (e.g., within the ear, nose, or throat, etc.). It should alsobe understood that other components of dilation instrument assembly (10)may incorporate a sensor like the sensor of navigation guidewire (130),including but not limited to dilation catheter (40).

II. EXEMPLARY TOUCH INSTRUMENT TO REGISTER AND CALIBRATE IMAGE GUIDEDSURGERY SYSTEM

As noted above, a variety of guidewires may be used to performregistration and calibration in an IGS navigation system (100) bytouching various points on the patient's face with the positionallytracked guidewire tip. Such guidewires may be rather flimsy or flexibleby their very nature. This flexibility may make it difficult for anoperator to grasp the guidewire by itself and manipulate the distal tipof the guidewire to contact registration points on the patient's head.For instance, the distal tip of the guidewire may tend to deflect inresponse to engagement with the patient's head, which may compromise theaccuracy of the registration. It may therefore be desirable to at leasttemporarily provide rigidity to a guidewire during the process ofregistration and calibration in an IGS navigation system (100). Suchadded rigidity may make it easier for the operator to handle theguidewire, may prevent the distal tip of the guidewire from deflectingin response to engagement with the patient's head, and may ultimatelyprovide a more accurate registration.

FIG. 2 show an exemplary touch based registration and calibrationinstrument (134) that may be used to temporarily provide rigidity to anotherwise flimsy guidewire in order to register and calibrate an IGSnavigation system such as IGS navigation system (100) described above.Calibration instrument (134) of this example comprises a rigid elongatebody (138) having a distal end (136) and a proximal end (137). In someversions, elongate body (138) is formed of a transparent polycarbonatematerial. Distal end (136) includes a taper leading to a reduceddiameter portion, which ultimately terminates in a rounded distal tip(135).

A guidewire (140) may be inserted into the rigid elongate body (138) sothat an end of the guidewire (140) rests against the interior of therounded distal tip (135). Since end of the guidewire (140) ispositionally tracked, the rounded distal tip (135) may be used to toucha registration point on a patient's face, which will place thepositionally tracked tip within close proximity of the registrationpoint, separated only by the known width of a wall of the rigid elongatebody (138). In this configuration, instrument (134) may be used toperform the registration and calibration process associated with IGSnavigation system (100) by touching the rounded distal tip (135) to eachregistration point while providing another input to the system, such asinteracting with a foot pedal or button, speaking a voice command, oranother similar input, to cause the registration touch to be recorded.In some versions, calibration instrument (134) includes a contact sensor(not shown) that senses when the distal tip (135) contacts the face ofthe patient. In some such versions, the operator must press distal tip(135) against the face of the patient with enough force to overcome athreshold for the contact sensor to register the contact between distaltip (135) and the face of the patient.

It should also be understood that while distal tip (135) will becontacting registration points on the patient's head or face instead ofthe positionally tracked tip of the guidewire (140) contacting thoseregistration points, the system may readily make the necessaryadjustments in the registration and calibration algorithms in view ofthe fact that the width of the wall of the rigid elongate body (138) isfixed and known.

The calibration instrument (134) or probe of FIG. 2 may provide rigidityto the flexible guidewire (140) during the registration process, whichcan address one source of inaccuracy (e.g., flexing of the positionallytracked guidewire during the touch). However, it does not address othersources of inaccuracy, for example, that introduced due to theflexibility or pliability of flesh on a patient's head or face as thedistal tip (135) is pressed against it during the registration process.Various points on a patient's face may depress several millimeters underthe force of the calibration instrument (134), which can provide asignificant inaccuracy in the context of a ENT or other surgicalprocedure.

FIG. 3 shows a front elevation view of a patient showing a patientregistration procedure using the calibration instrument (134). The viewof FIG. 3 might be rendered on a display of the IGS system (100) duringa procedure, and may show one or more registration points (142) thatmust be calibrated or registered using the calibration instrument (134).The registration points may, for example, be shown in one color beforethey are registered with a touch of the calibration instrument (134),and may change to a different color or otherwise indicate calibrationafter a touch of the calibration instrument (134). In some versions, oneor more lasers are used to project the registration points (142) on theface of the patient, such that the operator must engage the face of thepatient with distal tip (135) at each point illuminated by the laser(s).

In addition to the foregoing, calibration instrument (134) may beconfigured and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0119473, entitled “System and Method forNavigation of Surgical Instruments,” published May 4, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen from the example of FIG. 3, this registration may requirefive touches of the calibration instrument (134) at different points ofthe patient's face to be completed. In real world use, the number ofregistration points can be in the tens or even hundreds. In thiscontext, it becomes apparent that it can be a very time-consumingprocess to identify, locate, and touch each required point.

III. EXEMPLARY SENSOR ARRAY FOR REGISTERING AND CALIBRATING AN IMAGEGUIDED SURGICAL SYSTEM

FIGS. 4-6 show an exemplary sensor array (200) that may be used toperform patient registration instead of or in addition to a touch-basedcalibration instrument (134). The exemplary sensor array (200) comprisesa case (202), a plurality of sensors (204), and a position sensor (206).The plurality of sensors (204) may comprise, for example, a set ofoptical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other proximity sensors thattransmit a probe signal (e.g., a projected light, ultrasonic soundwaves, electromagnetic waves, etc.) and then receive a correspondingresponse signal (e.g., a reflected light, reflected sound, reflectedelectromagnetic waves, etc.). The period of time between probe signaltransmission and receipt of the response, or the strength or othercharacteristics of the response signal, may then be used to determinethe distance between the sensor's signal transmitter and the target thatthe probe signal strikes. Other suitable forms that sensors (204) maytake will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view ofthe teachings herein.

Position sensor (206) may comprise one or more of an accelerometer,magnetic, or wireless beacon sensor that may be used to determine thelocation and orientation of sensor array (200) within three-dimensionalspace. An accelerometer based sensor may be able to determine movementsand rotations of the sensor array (200) from a neutral point, which maybe used to determine its real-time location at any time. Magnetic orother wireless sensors may operate in a manner similar to that describedin relation to navigation guidewires, and may require a tracking elementor receiving element located in the sensor array (200), and a trackingdevice or transmitting device located elsewhere in the procedure areaand configured to identify the position of the tracking element at anytime. Other suitable components that may be used to form position sensor(206) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view ofthe teachings herein.

As noted above, patient registration may be used to identify thelocation of landmarks of a patient's face or other surgical site withinthree-dimensional space so that a set of preoperatively obtained imagescan be calibrated or otherwise synchronized with the real-worldprocedure setting. In order to accomplish this, the location of sensorarray (200) within three-dimensional space must be known, and thedistance between sensor array (200) and the patient's face or othersurgical site must be known. These variables can then be used todetermine the location of landmarks or other positions on a patient'sface or other surgical site within three-dimensional space. For example,in the case of a laser sensor, a laser beam may be produced by thesource sensor (204), and the laser beam may strike a target across adistance of x-millimeters. A portion of the laser beam will be reflectedoff the target, with such reflected or scattered light being detected bysource sensor (204). The period of time between laser projection andreflection detection may then be used to determine the x-millimeterdistance that separates source sensor (204) and the target. If theposition of source sensor (204) along the z-axis is “Z,” as determinedby the position sensor (206), then the position of the target along thez-axis can be determined as (Z+/−x-millimeters).

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the plurality of sensors (204) are positionedat the same point along the z-axis (220) of the case (202). While thisconfiguration may be adequate, it should also be understood that sensors(204) may be placed at different points along the z-axis (220) (e.g., toallow for differently shaped cases (202)), as the sensor's (204) initialposition may be compensated for as long as it remains substantiallystatic relative to the position sensor (206). To assist in this, thecase (202) may be made of any substantially rigid material, such asplastics or metals, so that the front face of the case (202) on whichthe plurality of sensors (204) are placed will not flex under its ownweight or during use. Such flex would result in a change of the sensors'(204) initial position along the z-axis (220) as reported by theposition sensor (206), which may skew determination of the target'sposition within three dimensional.

In addition to being able to provide the position of the sensor array(200) within three-dimensional space, the position sensor (206) may alsodetermine its orientation within three-dimensional space. This may beuseful where the sensor array (200) cannot be oriented so that its frontface is completely parallel to the target surface. This could occur dueto space limitations within a procedure area, to allow space forclinicians to access areas around the sensor array (200), human error,or other causes. Non-parallel orientation to the target may introduceinaccuracy if not accounted for, for the same reason that flexing of thecase (202) along the z-axis might. For example, referring to FIG. 5, andassuming that the target is completely parallel to the sensor array(200) as oriented in FIG. 5, if the sensor array (200) were to rotatearound the x-axis (222) even slightly, an upper sensor (226) of thesensor array (200) could shift to be several millimeters closer to thetarget as compared to a lower sensor (228) in the same column. If thisorientation is not known or accounted for, the position of a point ofthe surgical site detected by the uppers sensor (226) could beinaccurately registered and calibrated within the three-dimensionalspace.

The position sensor's (206) orientation determining capability maydetect that the sensor array (200) is not completely parallel to thetarget, and either warn an operator that sensor array (200) needs to bere-oriented. Alternatively, sensor array (200) (and/or some other systemcomponent) can adjust the data provided by each individual sensor (204)of the plurality of sensors (204) to account for the non-parallelorientation. This could include, for example, determining that, due toits orientation, the upper sensor (226) is x-millimeters closer to thetarget as compared to the lower sensor (228), and adjusting thecalculations accordingly during calibration and registration.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary scenario where a sensor array (200) is notpositioned and oriented so that it is substantially parallel to thetarget. As can be seen, the sensor array (200) is suspended from an arm(216) and is located above the target area (211), but is not oriented onthe arm (216) so that it is substantially parallel to the target area(211), as can be seen by the intersecting lines (218, 220) drawnparallel to the sensor array (200) and the target area (211). In someimplementations, the arm (216) may provide a wide range of manual orautomatic motions to support a wide range of positions and orientationsfor an attached sensor array (200) relative to the target area (211).Some implementation may also include an orientation indicator that maycomprise, for example, a lighted indicator, an audible indicator, or ahaptic indicator configured to notify a user when the sensor array issubstantially parallel to the target area (211) which may aid in manualpositioning and orientation of the sensor array (200). Inimplementations including an arm (216) with automated features, the arm(216) may automatically adjust the position and orientation of thesensor array (200) relative to the target area (211) as it is activatedor manually moved by a user, in order to maintain a substantiallyparallel orientation.

FIG. 6 shows the sensor array (200) during activation with a simulatedvisualization of the area (208) that is within the sensing or detectionrange of the plurality of sensors (204). FIG. 7 shows a simulatedvisualization of a number of registration points on a patient's facethat may be simultaneously detected and registered by the exemplarysensor array (200). As can be seen, a plurality of registration points(210) can be simultaneously registered by the large detection area (208)of the sensor array (200). Due to variations between the size of apatient's head and the sensor array (200), the probe signal transmittedby some of the sensors may miss the patient's head entirely (212). Insuch cases, the response signal may not be received by the source sensor(e.g., where the distance to an incidental target is too great, or wherethe patient's head is laid against a surface that does not result in aresponse signal), or the response signal may be received and thecalculated distance to the target determines that a point beyond thepatient's face has been measured. In such cases, data generated by thesensor that is not striking the patient's face may be filtered orotherwise disregarded for registration purposes, while validregistration points (210) may be registered in order to locate thepatient's facial landmarks in three-dimensional space.

Use of the exemplary sensor array (200) may provide several advantagesas compared to a touch calibration instrument (134). As can be seen inFIGS. 6-7, the sensor array (200) can register a plurality of points(210) simultaneously, and can be scaled to any desired number oraffected area by varying the size of the sensor array (200) and/or thenumber and arrangement of the plurality of sensors (204). In comparisonto the potentially time consuming point-by-point registration offered bya touch calibration instrument (134), a sensor array (200) may completeregistration by simply positioning and orienting it be substantiallyparallel to the target (e.g., by moving an arm, gimble, or otherapparatus such as the arm (216) shown in FIG. 8 for suspending thesensor array (200) above a patient), and activating the sensor array(200) to capture the distance between the sensors and the target, whichcan then be used to calculate the target's position in three-dimensionalspace. Reducing the time required for registration can improve thepatient's experience during a procedure, and make more efficient use ofprocedure rooms, equipment and staff. Additionally, as has beendiscussed, using a touchless registration system such as the exemplarysensor array (200) can result in more accurate positioning of the targetwithin three-dimensional space because it reduces or eliminates thepotential for flexibility of a touch calibration instrument (134) ordeformation of the patient's skin to introduce inaccurate registrationdata into the process.

IV. EXEMPLARY METHODS FOR USING A SENSOR ARRAY FOR REGISTERING ANDCALIBRATING AN IMAGE GUIDED SURGICAL SYSTEM

FIGS. 10-11 show methods for touchless facial registration of an imageguided surgical system that may be performed by a system such as thatshown in FIG. 9. The exemplary system of FIG. 9 comprises an imageguided surgery or IGS system (300), an image server (302), a procedurearea positioning system (306), and a registration sensor (304). Itshould be understood that the components of the exemplary system, andtheir function as described are example only and could be implemented ina variety of ways. For example, some features could be performed byeither the IGS system (300), the registration sensor (304), or both, insome implementations. Similarly, some components may be combined ordivided into further components. For example, functions performed by theIGS system (300) may be performed across several components (e.g., anIGS system (300), a cloud computing system, a handheld IGS device, orothers), or the functions of the IGS system (300) and image server (302)could be combined and performed by a single component or device. Suchvariations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in lightof this disclosure.

The IGS system (300) may comprise a computer having components such as aprocessor and memory, storage, display, and various user andcommunication interfaces. The IGS system (300) may be configured toreceive information from one or more of the area positioning system(306), the registration sensor (304), the image server (302), and/orother data sources. Information received by the IGS system may be usedto prepare and display or otherwise provide information such as images,sounds, video, and software tools to assist in the performance of asurgical procedure. Received information may comprise, for example,pre-operational images, video, and data from the image server (302) oranother system, facial landmark registration from a registration sensor(304), procedure area positioning and orientation data for tools andother objects within the procedure area from the area positioning system(306), and other similar data. Using this data, the IGS system (300)may, for example, track a number of positionally tracked devices withinthree-dimensional space, and map a registered patient within thatthree-dimensional space so that pre-operative images may be accuratelyassociated with images generated during a procedure.

The image server (302) may be one or more remotely or locally locatedservers that may store pre-procedure information, procedure information,and post procedure information, which may include pre-operative images,locations and orientations of instruments, devices, and other trackedobjects during a procedure, and post-procedure analysis or other metricsthat may aid in the assessment of the performance of a procedure.

The registration sensor (304) may comprise, for example, a sensor array(200), or another registration instrument such as the exemplary sensorprobe (500) of FIG. 12. The registration sensor (304) is configured toprovide some or all of the information required to locate the targetarea (211) (e.g., a patient's facial landmarks) within three-dimensionalspace, as has been described in relation to the sensor array (200). Thiscould include, for example, determining the distance between a sourcesensor (204) and a target. The area positioning system (306), which maybe, for example, a tri-axis sensor as described in relation the positionsensor (206), may provide any additional information that is needed tolocate the target area (211) within three-dimensional space, which couldinclude, for example, determining the position of the source sensor(204). The components of the system of FIG. 9 may be in communicationwith the IGS system (300) and, in some implementations, with each other,via various forms of wired and wireless communication.

FIG. 11 shows a set of high level steps that may be performed using thesystem of FIG. 9 in order to register a patient in three-dimensionalspace using a registration sensor (304), which will allow for IGSnavigation features to be provided at the IGS system (300). Theexemplary steps comprise receiving pre-operative images (block 400),receiving patient registration (block 402), correlating thepre-operative images with the patient registration (block 404), andproviding IGS navigation (block 406). Receiving pre-operative images maycomprise, for example, requesting and/or receiving one or more data setsfrom an image server (302), local storage, or another similar device.Received information may then be stored locally to the IGS system (300)and kept readily available so that it may be quickly accessed during IGSnavigation.

Performing the patient registration (block 402) may comprise activatinga registration sensor (304) in order to produce a set of data indicatingthe distance between the registration sensor (304) and the target area(211), in the form of one or more registration points that can be usedto locate landmarks or other physical features of a patient's face orother target area (211) features, and may also include using an areapositioning system (306) to determine the location of the registrationsensor (304), so that the patient's face can be located within threedimensional space relative to the area positioning system (306).Correlating pre-operative images with the registration data may compriseselecting one or more of the pre-operative images and mapping themwithin three-dimensional space relative to the target area (211).Providing IGS navigation (block 406) may then be performed by using anaccurate three-dimensional mapping of the pre-operative images relativeto the target area (211). This allows for the IGS system (300) toaccurately display the positions of presently tracked objects (e.g.,guidewires or other positionally tracked instruments) in the context ofthe pre-operative images during a procedure where IGS navigation isused.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary set of steps that may be performed whenperforming a patient registration (block 402) with a registration sensor(304). These steps may be performed by the IGS system (300), theregistration sensor (304), and/or another device having appropriateprocessing, memory, and storage capabilities, and may be performed invarying orders or in parallel in some implementations, unless the natureof a particular step which requires, as input, data that becomesavailable only upon completion of a prior step. The IGS system (300) maydetermine an orientation offset (block 408) based upon orientation dataassociated with the registration sensor (304) and the target area (211)in order to determine whether they are substantially parallel. Thiscould include using data provided by the positioning sensor (306) todetermine the current orientation of the registration sensor (304),using a positioning sensor in a piece of equipment worn by or attachedto a patient, or a patient table or chair to determine the currentorientation of the target area (211), or by using configured staticorientation values for the registration sensor (304) and/or target area(211) that may have been determined automatically or manually at a priortime (e.g., by statically positioning a patient chair in a knownorientation) and configured within the IGS system (300).

Once an orientation offset has been determined (block 408), if theregistration sensor (304) and target area (211) are not substantiallyparallel, the IGS system (300) may adjust one or more variables toaccount for this offset (block 410). This could include, for example,increasing or reducing the measured distance between a source sensor anda target to account for a non-parallel orientation, as has beenpreviously described. The IGS system (300) may also determine a sourceposition (block 412) for the registration sensor (304). As withdetermining orientation, this may include determining a current positionusing information from a position sensor (206, 506) or other areapositioning system (306), or using a pre-determined static value whereit is possible for a registration sensor (304) to be statically fixed inposition.

The IGS system (300) may also send a probe signal (block 414) byactivating one or more sensors of a registration sensor (304), andreceive a response signal (block 416) that is reflected, echoed, orotherwise returned from the target area (211) and captured by a photoeye, microphone, or other receiver. After receiving the response signal(block 416), the IGS system (300) may determine the signal travel timeand distance (block 418). When determining signal travel distance (block418), the IGS system may account for any orientation offset forparticular sensors that may have been earlier determined (block 410).After signal travel distance (block 418) and signal source position(block 412) have been determined and are available to IGS system (300),the system may determine (block 420) and store the target area (211)position. Once the target position is known (block 420), the IGS systemmay use that position to correlate pre-operative images (block 404) withthe target area (211) and provide IGS navigation (block 406).

V. EXEMPLARY ALTERNATIVE SENSOR PROBE FOR REGISTERING AND CALIBRATING ANIMAGE GUIDED SURGICAL SYSTEM

FIGS. 12-13 show an exemplary alternative sensor probe that may be usedto, in a manner similar to previously discussed touch probes such as thecalibration instrument (134), register a patient one point at a time.The probe (500) shown in FIG. 12 comprises a probe transmitter (502), aprobe receiver (504), a position sensor (506), and a proximity trigger(508). While probe transmitter (502) and probe receiver (504) are shownas separate components, probe transmitter (502) and probe receiver (504)may in fact be integrated into a single component in some variations.The probe (500) could be implemented in a variety of forms, for example,a housing similar to the elongate body (138) of the calibrationinstrument (134) could contain or be attached to one or more of thecomponents of FIG. 12. A housing or body such as that of the calibrationinstrument (134) may be a desirable form for the probe (500) because thestylus-like shape may be comfortable and familiar to users (e.g.,grasping probe (500) with a pencil grip).

When registering a point on a target area (211), the probe (500)operates in a manner similar to the sensor array (200). The probetransmitter (502) and probe receiver (504) may be positioned towards thetip end of the probe (e.g., at the rounded distal tip if the probe (500)were implemented in a form similar to that of FIG. 2), and, whenactivated, function similarly to a sensor (204) of the sensor array(200) as described above. In particular, the probe transmitter (502),which could comprise an optical transmitter, ultrasound transmitter, orother wireless transmitter, will transmit a probe signal (512) towardsthe target area (211), as shown in FIG. 13. The probe signal willreflect, echo, or otherwise return from the target area (211) and bereceived by the probe receiver (504) as a response signal (514). Thetime of travel between the probe signal transmission and receipt of theresponse signal can be used by an IGS system (300) or another processingdevice to determine the distance between the probe (500) and the targetarea (211). This distance, combined with a position and orientation ofthe probe (500) as supplied by a position sensor (506) may then be usedto determine the registered point of the target area (211) inthree-dimensional space. The position sensor (506) may comprise atri-axis sensor, accelerometer based positioning sensor, magneticpositioning sensor, or other positioning sensor that may function as orfunction with the area positioning system (306) in order to provide aposition and orientation of the probe (500).

The proximity trigger (508) of the probe (500) may itself comprise asensor, or may be a feature or configuration of the probe transmitter(502) and probe receiver (504) that is configured to determine real-timeproximity relative to the target area (211) and, when it is within acertain proximity of a target, capture and register a point of thetarget area (211). This allows for the probe (500) to automaticallyactivate and register points when positioned proximately to the targetarea (211), so as to avoid the need for a user clicking a button, footpedal, or making contact with the target area (211) with force above acertain threshold in order to capture the registration point data. Inthis manner, the user may move probe (500) about the target area (211)within a proximity that causes the proximity trigger (508) to registerpoints of the target area (211) in order to complete the registrationprocess. In effect, this would allow the probe (500) to rapidly registera number of points across the target area (211) without substantiallypressing against any point of the target area (211) or taking otheractions to trigger the registration that may reduce the accuracy of theregistration.

In some variations, probe (500) comprises a capacitive sensor or aresistive sensor, either of which may be used to effectively form (orserve as a substitute for) the combination of probe transmitter (502)and probe receiver (504). In such variations, the capacitive sensor orresistive sensor may be able to detect contact with a patient's face andthereby register the position, with a relatively light touch on thepatient's face. In other words, an operator need not press probe (500)against the patient's face with substantial force in order to activate acapacitive sensor or a resistive sensor through contact with thepatient's face. Thus, during normal use of probe (500), there is littleto no risk of deforming the patient's face to the point where positiondata will be inaccurate.

As noted above in the context of calibration instrument (134), probe(500) may be used in conjunction with one or more lasers that are usedto project the registration points (142) on the face of the patient,such that the operator must use probe (500) to register the locations ofeach point illuminated by the laser(s) on the patient's face. While useof the probe (500) may be slower than the sensor array (200), it mayalso be much faster than the use of a probe such as the calibrationinstrument (134). The probe (500) may provide additional beneficialfeatures, such as ease of use, reduced complexity (e.g., one sensorrather than an array of sensors), reduced power consumption, increasedmobility (e.g., handheld rather than arm or ceiling mounted), reducedcost, and other similar benefits that will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in light of this disclosure.

As can be seen, registration sensors may be implemented in a variety offorms beyond those of a sensor array (200) or a probe (500). This couldinclude, for example, a single row of sensors disposed along alongitudinal member that can be passed across a target area, one or morerows of sensors disposed along a curved member that can be rotatedaround a target area, or other similar configurations.

To the extent that the various kinds of sensors that are describedherein (e.g., optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors,capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, etc.) as being usable in sensorarray (200) and probe (500) are known in industrial/manufacturingsettings (e.g., tracking objects in an assembly line, etc.), it will beunderstood that the present context is substantially different. Inindustrial/manufacturing settings, tracked objects may be more likely tohave consistent surface geometry (e.g., the sensed surface is flat),consistent surface coloring, and/or other consistent properties.However, in the present context of medical procedures involving humansubjects, the sensors may experience a substantially greater range invariation among the sensed surfaces. Such variations may include varioussurface contours, colors, lividity, and/or other variations inproperties of human faces. In some instances, the sensors and/or themanner in which the sensors are operated may be modified to accommodatesuch variation among the sensed surfaces. For instance, optical sensorsmay be configured to operate on different light frequencies (e.g.,sweeping through a plurality of frequencies) to more readily account forvariation in skin tone among various patients. Other ways in whichsensors and/or the manner in which the sensors are operated may bemodified to account for variation among human face properties will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein.

VI. EXEMPLARY COMBINATIONS

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A system for registration of a target area, the system comprising: (a) asensor array body; (b) a plurality of distance sensors attached to thesensor array body, wherein each of the distance sensors is positioned tobe aimed towards the target area and is operable to determine a distancebetween a registration point of the target area and that sensor; (c) aposition sensor attached to the sensor array body and operable toprovide a position and an orientation of the sensor array body; and (d)at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto determine the three-dimensional location of a plurality of registeredpoints of the target area within a procedure space based upon thedistance, the orientation, and the position for each of the distancesensors.

Example 2

The system of Example 1, wherein the distance sensors are arranged in ashape selected from the group consisting of a rectangle, a square, acircle, a triangle, and an ellipse.

Example 3

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 2, wherein a face ofthe sensor array body is substantially flat, and wherein the at leastone processor is contained within the sensor array body.

Example 4

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 3, wherein thedistance sensors comprise a type selected from the group consisting ofan optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

Example 5

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 4, wherein the atleast one processor is configured to determine the three-dimensionallocation of the plurality of registered points by, for each sensor ofthe plurality of distance sensors: (i) determining an origin positionfor a probe signal transmitted by that sensor, wherein the originposition indicates that sensor's position within the procedure space,based upon the position and the orientation of the sensor array body,and (ii) determining a registered point for that sensor based upon theorigin position and a distance traveled by the probe signal beforestriking the registration point of the target area.

Example 6

The system of Example 5, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: determine an orientation of the target area relative tothe sensor array body, where the target area and the sensor array bodyare not substantially parallel, determine, for each sensor of theplurality of distance sensors, an offset value, and determining theregistered point for that sensor based upon the origin position, thedistance traveled by the probe signal, and the offset value.

Example 7

The system of Example 6, further comprising a target area orientationsensor configured to provide an orientation of the target area to the atleast one processor.

Example 8

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 7, wherein anavigation processor of the at least one processors is configured to:associate the plurality of registered points with a set of pre-operativeimages of the target area, and provide an image guided surgerynavigation interface during a procedure based upon the association ofthe plurality of registered points, the set of pre-operative images, anda set of instrument data provided by a position sensor of a surgicalinstrument used during the procedure.

Example 9

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8, wherein thedistance sensors are configured to be positioned and operable at adistance of between about 4 inches and 20 inches from the targetlocation when the location of the plurality of registered points isdetermined.

Example 10

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9, furthercomprising an orientation indicator, wherein the orientation indicatoris configured to provide an indication to a user when the sensor arraybody is not substantially parallel to the target area.

Example 11

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, furthercomprising an automated arm, wherein the automated arm is operable toorient the sensor array body so that it is substantially parallel to thetarget area.

Example 12

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 11, wherein theplurality of distance sensors comprises at least 30 individual sensors,and wherein the plurality of distance sensors are positioned on thesensor array body such that the transmitted probe signals strikesubstantially all of the target area.

Example 13

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 12, wherein the atleast one processor is further configured to, for any sensor of theplurality of distance sensors whose probe signal falls outside of thetarget area during use, disregard proximity data from that sensor.

Example 14

The system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 13, wherein theplurality of distance sensors are configured to be activated once inorder to gather the data used to determine the three-dimensionallocation of the plurality of registered points.

Example 15

A registration probe comprising: (a) an elongate body adapted to be heldby a user, the elongate body comprising a distal tip; (b) a targetsensor located at the distal tip, wherein the target sensor is operableto detect the presence of a patient's face in front of the distal tip,without requiring the distal tip to be pressed into the patient's face;(c) a position sensor operable to provide a position and an orientationfor the touchless registration probe; and (d) at least one processorconfigured to: (i) activate the target sensor, (ii) determine thethree-dimensional location of the target within a procedure space as aregistered point based upon a signal from the target sensor, and (iii)determine the position and orientation of the registration probe at thetime the signal is received from the target sensor.

Example 16

The registration probe of Example 15, further comprising a proximitytrigger configured to cause the target sensor to activate and determinethe registered point when the distal tip is within a capture distance ofthe target.

Example 17

The registration probe of any one or more of Examples 15 through 16,wherein the target sensor comprises a capacitive sensor or a resistivesensor.

Example 18

The registration probe of any one or more of Examples 15 through 17,wherein the target sensor comprises an optical sensor.

Example 19

The registration probe of any one or more of Examples 15 through 18,wherein the position sensor comprises a type selected from the groupconsisting of: an accelerometer based sensor; a magnetic based sensor; awireless beacon based sensor.

Example 20

A method for registering facial landmarks for image guided surgerynavigation comprising the steps: (a) positioning a sensor array so thata plurality of distance sensors of the sensor array are directed at andsubstantially parallel to a target area, wherein the target area ispatient's facial area; (b) activating the sensor array to capture a setof distances indicating the distance traveled by a probe signaloriginating from each of the plurality of distance sensors beforestriking a target point within the target area; (c) determining aposition and an orientation of the sensor array within three-dimensionalspace; (d) producing a set of registered points by, for each targetpoint within the target area, determining the three-dimensional positionof that target point based upon the position and the orientation of thesensor array, and the distance traveled by the probe signal; (e)creating a navigation data set by associating the set of registeredpoints with a set of pre-operative images; and (f) providing imageguided surgery navigation based upon the navigation data set.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS

It should be understood that any of the examples described herein mayinclude various other features in addition to or in lieu of thosedescribed above. By way of example only, any of the examples describedherein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed inany of the various references that are incorporated by reference herein.

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposedof after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multipletimes. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuseafter at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination ofthe steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning orreplacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. Inparticular, versions of the device may be disassembled, and any numberof the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectivelyreplaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacementof particular parts, versions of the device may be reassembled forsubsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgicalteam immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be processedbefore surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and ifnecessary cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In onesterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealedcontainer, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrumentmay then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate thecontainer, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons.The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container.The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container.The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is openedin a surgical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any othertechnique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gammaradiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

Having shown and described various versions of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

I/We claim:
 1. A system for registration of a target area, the systemcomprising: (a) a sensor array body; (b) a plurality of distance sensorsattached to the sensor array body, wherein each of the distance sensorsis positioned to be aimed towards the target area and is operable todetermine a distance between a registration point of the target area andthat sensor; (c) a position sensor attached to the sensor array body andoperable to provide a position and an orientation of the sensor arraybody; and (d) at least one processor, wherein the at least one processoris configured to determine the three-dimensional location of a pluralityof registered points of the target area within a procedure space basedupon the distance, the orientation, and the position for each of thedistance sensors.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the distance sensorsare arranged in a shape selected from the group consisting of arectangle, a square, a circle, a triangle, and an ellipse.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein a face of the sensor array body is substantiallyflat, and wherein the at least one processor is contained within thesensor array body.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the distancesensors comprise a type selected from the group consisting of an opticalsensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a magnetic sensor.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determinethe three-dimensional location of the plurality of registered points by,for each sensor of the plurality of distance sensors: (i) determining anorigin position for a probe signal transmitted by that sensor, whereinthe origin position indicates that sensor's position within theprocedure space, based upon the position and the orientation of thesensor array body, and (ii) determining a registered point for thatsensor based upon the origin position and a distance traveled by theprobe signal before striking the registration point of the target area.6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: (i) determine an orientation of the target area relativeto the sensor array body, (ii) where the target area and the sensorarray body are not substantially parallel, determine, for each sensor ofthe plurality of distance sensors, an offset value, and (iii)determining the registered point for that sensor based upon the originposition, the distance traveled by the probe signal, and the offsetvalue.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a target areaorientation sensor configured to provide an orientation of the targetarea to the at least one processor.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein anavigation processor of the at least one processor is configured to: (i)associate the plurality of registered points with a set of pre-operativeimages of the target area, and (ii) provide an image guided surgerynavigation interface during a procedure based upon the association ofthe plurality of registered points, the set of pre-operative images, anda set of instrument data provided by a position sensor of a surgicalinstrument used during the procedure.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe distance sensors are configured to be positioned and operable at adistance of between about 4 inches and 20 inches from the targetlocation when the location of the plurality of registered points isdetermined.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an orientationindicator, wherein the orientation indicator is configured to provide anindication to a user when the sensor array body is not substantiallyparallel to the target area.
 11. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising an automated arm, wherein the automated arm is operable toorient the sensor array body so that it is substantially parallel to thetarget area.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofdistance sensors comprises at least 30 individual sensors, and whereinthe plurality of distance sensors are positioned on the sensor arraybody such that the transmitted probe signals strike substantially all ofthe target area.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to, for any sensor of the plurality ofdistance sensors whose probe signal falls outside of the target areaduring use, disregard proximity data from that sensor.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of distance sensors are configured to beactivated once in order to gather the data used to determine thethree-dimensional location of the plurality of registered points.
 15. Aregistration probe comprising: (a) an elongate body adapted to be heldby a user, the elongate body comprising a distal tip; (b) a targetsensor located at the distal tip, wherein the target sensor is operableto detect the presence of a patient's face in front of the distal tip,without requiring the distal tip to be pressed into the patient's face;(c) a position sensor operable to provide a position and an orientationfor the touchless registration probe; and (d) at least one processorconfigured to: (i) activate the target sensor, (ii) determine thethree-dimensional location of the target within a procedure space as aregistered point based upon a signal from the target sensor, and (iii)determine the position and orientation of the registration probe at thetime the signal is received from the target sensor.
 16. The registrationprobe of claim 15, further comprising a proximity trigger configured tocause the target sensor to activate and determine the registered pointwhen the distal tip is within a capture distance of the target.
 17. Theregistration probe of claim 15, wherein the target sensor comprises acapacitive sensor or a resistive sensor.
 18. The registration probe ofclaim 15, wherein the target sensor comprises an optical sensor.
 19. Theregistration probe of claim 15, wherein the position sensor comprises atype selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer basedsensor, a magnetic based sensor, and a wireless beacon based sensor. 20.A method for registering facial landmarks for image guided surgerynavigation comprising the steps: (a) positioning a sensor array so thata plurality of distance sensors of the sensor array are directed at andsubstantially parallel to a target area, wherein the target area ispatient's facial area; (b) activating the sensor array to capture a setof distances indicating the distance traveled by a probe signaloriginating from each of the plurality of distance sensors beforestriking a target point within the target area, (c) determining aposition and an orientation of the sensor array within three-dimensionalspace; (d) producing a set of registered points by, for each targetpoint within the target area, determining the three-dimensional positionof that target point based upon the position and the orientation of thesensor array, and the distance traveled by the probe signal; (e)creating a navigation data set by associating the set of registeredpoints with a set of pre-operative images; and (f) providing imageguided surgery navigation based upon the navigation data set.